3 replies to this topic

[GreatHorn]

Okay I know how much you all love flycatcher IDs. But I have been hearing Willows in this area so I want to make sure that it's not obviously something else. (would be a lifer)

West Michigan, today.

[Sgtmac1]

I'm probably the worst person to be IDing an empid, but you didn't have any replys, so I figured what the heck. It sure looks like a Willow or Alder Flycatcher. The Stokes guide says that one of the few differences between Willow and Alder is that the eye ring on the Willow is less well defined or missing. I think this is the case on your bird. Also, if you were hearing Willow Flycatchers and not Alder Flycatchers, you probably have a Willow Flycatcher. Sorry I couldn't be more definite in my answer, but at least I tried. Mac.

[psweet]

As far as I know, there is no reliable way to ID Willow or Alder except by song -- even in the hand, roughly half of them can't be ID'd. But, if you're hearing Willow's, it's gotta be a Willow.

[GreatHorn]

Thanks for the input guys!